Leicester Riders moved top of the BBL Championship table with a brilliant 79-77 victory at Newcastle Eagles.

Andy Thomson was again the last gasp hero, scoring the game winning basket with 3.5 seconds remaining against his former side.

Captain Tyler Bernardini also hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the match at 77-all in the final minute after Newcastle looked like they would snatch the victory at the death, despite Riders having lead for most of the game.

Douse missing through injury

With Kiefer Douse still missing through injury, Eric Robertson again started for the Riders and his two three-pointers kept Leicester in touch in the early stages as a barrage of long range efforts, including three from Kai Williams, from the home side.

Having trailed by as many as seven, Leicester levelled the game at 19-19 before the first quarter was done thanks to some good play from JR Holder.

Thomson had Riders in front early in the second period and a Shane Walker triple gave them a little daylight four minutes from half time.

Walker then swished home a corner three on the half-time buzzer to send Leicester into the break with a 44-34 lead, the fewest points the Eagles had scored at home in a half for almost two years.

The league’s leading score Jaysean Paige, though, soon had Riders advantage down to only four by helping the Eagles to a 6-0 start to the third quarter and midway through the period it was 49-47.

TrayVonn Wright, Thomson and Bernardini scored on three consecutive plays for the Riders as they edged 60-52 in front.

Riders tied game through Bernardini

Saah Nimley had missed his first 12 shot attempts of the game, but he finally connected with a three early in the fourth quarter as Newcastle cut Leicester’s lead to 60-62 and though Riders did move eight points ahead once again, the unstoppable Paige set about dragging his team back in front.

He scored ten of Newcastle’s last 12 points, including two three-pointers, and with 45 seconds remaining his breakaway dunk had Newcastle 77-74 ahead.

But whilst he and the Eagles fans were still celebrating that score, Riders instantly moved the ball down court and Bernardini tied it with a three-pointer.

Riders stopped the Eagles and then Thomson’s excellent drive to the basket had them 79-77 ahead with 3.5 seconds remaining. Newcastle called a time out to try and force one final score, but Holder forced the turnover to seal the victory.